Apparatus for unlocking electronic device by using stylus pen and method thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an electronic device that receives a first input received through a stylus pen connected with the electronic device through wireless communication in a lock state of the electronic device, identifies unlock history information by at least one user authentication method in response to receiving the first input, and changes a state of the electronic device to an unlock state, based at least partially on an existence of the identified unlock history information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0091087, filed on Aug. 6, 2018,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, and moreparticularly, to an apparatus for unlocking an electronic device byusing a stylus pen and a method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

An electronic device may include a stylus pen capable of being insertedinto or detached from the electronic device. The stylus pen may providean environment where a user inputs handwriting on a display of theelectronic device.

The electronic device may operate in a lock state to protect personalinformation of the user. When the electronic device operates in the lockstate, the electronic device may restrict an access of a user (or athird party) who attempts to execute a function of the electronicdevice.

When a user input is not received during a specified time or dependingon a user input corresponding to pressing a button mounted on anelectronic device, the electronic device may change a state of theelectronic device to a lock state. The electronic device may change thestate of the electronic device from the lock state to an unlock state,depending on a user input (e.g., a password) received in the lock state.

When the state of the electronic device is changed to the lock statewhile the user uses a stylus pen, the continuity of use may decrease. Tosecure continuity of use of the stylus pen, a manner to change the stateof the electronic device through a user interface (e.g., a button)included in the stylus pen may be considered. However, when the userloses the stylus pen detached from the electronic device, because athird party that recovers the stylus pen may unlock the electronicdevice, the security of the electronic device may be compromised.

As such, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus thatensures device security while enabling the device to be unlocked in asimplified, yet safe manner.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to providean apparatus and a method capable of unlocking an electronic devicewhile maintaining device security.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic deviceincludes a housing, a touchscreen display viewable through a portion ofthe housing, a stylus pen sensible by the touchscreen display andincluding a user interface, a wireless communication circuit disposedwithin the housing, a processor disposed within the housing andoperatively connected with the touchscreen display and the wirelesscommunication circuit, and a memory disposed within the housing andoperatively connected with the processor, wherein the memory isconfigured to store unlock history information of a user of theelectronic device by at least one user authentication method and atleast one application program, and wherein the memory storesinstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive a firstinput received through the user interface of the stylus pen, through thewireless communication circuit, in a lock state of the electronicdevice, identify the stored unlock history information of the user ofthe electronic device by the at least one user authentication method, inresponse to receiving the first input, and change a state of theelectronic device to an unlock state, based at least partially onexistence of the identified unlock history information.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of anelectronic device includes receiving a first input from a stylus penconnected with the electronic device through wireless communication, ina lock state of the electronic device, identifying unlock historyinformation of a user of the electronic device by at least one userauthentication method, in response to receiving the first input, andchanging a state of the electronic device to an unlock state, based atleast partially on existence of the identified unlock historyinformation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device including a digitalpen according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a digital pen according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a digital pen according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an unlock operation using a digital pen according toan embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device performing anunlock operation by using a digital pen according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device providing a userauthentication method according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an operation of an electronic device detectingwhether a digital pen is detached, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device detecting whethera digital pen is detached, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an operation of an electronic devicedisplaying a screen after an unlock operation according to anembodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device displaying ascreen based on a type of a user input through a user interface of adigital pen according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device displaying ascreen based on a second input according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device identifyingmovement of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates an operation of setting an unlock function of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an electronic device providing a userinterface setting an unlock function according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a program according to an embodiment.

With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be markedby similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described withreference to accompanying drawings, in which a size of each componentmay be exaggerated for convenience. Detailed descriptions of knownfunctions and configurations incorporated here will be omitted for thesake of clarity and conciseness.

The electronic device may be one of various types of electronic devicesand may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smal (phone), acomputer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medicaldevice, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, theelectronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding toan item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevantcontext clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of suchphrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A orB,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A,B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of theitems enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As usedherein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may beused to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, anddo not limit the components in other aspect, such as importance ororder. It is to be understood that if an element, such as a firstelement, is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or“communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or“connected to” another element, such as a second element, it indicatesthat the first element may be directly or indirectly coupled with thesecond element, or may be coupled to the second element via a thirdelement.

In the specification, a “user interface” may be a physical medium or avirtual medium that enables the user to interact with an electronicdevice or a digital pen. For example, the “user interface” may be aphysical button that is attached on one side surface of an electronicdevice or may be a screen, a sound, or a vibration that is outputthrough the electronic device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in anetwork environment 100 according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 maycommunicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g.,a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-rangewireless communication network). According to an embodiment, theelectronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 viathe server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101may include a processor 120, memory 130, an input device 150, a soundoutput device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensormodule 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180,a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device 160 orthe camera module 180) of the components may be omitted from theelectronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added inthe electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the componentsmay be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, thesensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or anilluminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware orsoftware component of the electronic device 101 coupled with theprocessor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation.According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing orcomputation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received fromanother component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communicationmodule 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the datastored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data innon-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g.,a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), asensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that isoperable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may beadapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to bespecific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may beimplemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions orstates related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160,the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among thecomponents of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state,or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 isin an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to anembodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processoror a communication processor) may be implemented as part of anothercomponent (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190)functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component(e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronicdevice 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g.,the program 140) and input data or output data for a command relatedthereto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or thenon-volatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and mayinclude, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, oran application 146.

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by othercomponent (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, fromthe outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The inputdevice 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard,or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device 155 may output sound signals to the outside ofthe electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, forexample, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for generalpurposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receivermay be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, thereceiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside(e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 mayinclude, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector andcontrol circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display,hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the displaydevice 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, orsensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure theintensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal andvice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtainthe sound via the input device 150, or output the sound via the soundoutput device 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g.,an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupledwith the electronic device 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power ortemperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state(e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, andthen generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to thedetected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 mayinclude, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmosphericpressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gripsensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, abiometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or anilluminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be usedfor the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) orwirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include,for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universalserial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or anaudio interface.

A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which theelectronic device 101 may be physically connected with the externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to anembodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMIconnector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector(e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalstimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus whichmay be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinestheticsensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 mayinclude, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electricstimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images.According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one ormore lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to theelectronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power managementmodule 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a powermanagement integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 mayinclude, for example a primary cell which is not rechargeable, asecondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g.,wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) andperforming communication via the established communication channel Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communicationprocessors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g.,the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired)communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment,the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wirelesscommunication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a localarea network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication(PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules maycommunicate with the external electronic device via the first network198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™,wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA))or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network,such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g.,LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communicationmodules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip),or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separatefrom each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify andauthenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, suchas the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriberinformation (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI))stored in the subscriber identification module (SIM) card 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to orfrom the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of theelectronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of aconductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate,such as a printed circuit board (PCB). According to an embodiment, theantenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case,at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in thecommunication network, such as the first network 198 or the secondnetwork 199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192) from the plurality ofantennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or receivedbetween the communication module 190 and the external electronic devicevia the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment,another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC))other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part ofthe antenna module 197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutuallyand communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via aninter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purposeinput and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted orreceived between the electronic device 101 and the external electronicdevice 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Eachof the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of a same type as,or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to anembodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronicdevice 101 may be executed at one or more of the external electronicdevices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response toa request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101,instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service,may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform atleast part of the function or the service. The one or more externalelectronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least partof the function or the service requested, or an additional function oran additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome ofthe performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of theoutcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, acloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computingtechnology may be used, for example.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic device 101 including adigital pen 201 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 101 may include theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 1, and may include a structure inwhich the digital (stylus) pen 201 may be inserted. The electronicdevice 101 may include a housing 110, a hole 111 in one portion such asa side surface 110C of the housing 110, and a receiving space 112connected with the hole 111, and the digital pen 201 may be insertedinto the receiving space 112. The digital pen 201 may include a button201a, which is capable of being pressed, at one end portion thereof suchthat the digital pen 201 is easily removed from the receiving space 112of the electronic device 101. When the button 201a is pressed, arepulsion mechanism from at least one spring that is configured to linkto the button 201a acts, and the digital pen 201 may be detached fromthe receiving space 112.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the digital pen 201 according toan embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the digital pen 201 may include aprocessor 220, a memory 230, a resonant circuit 287, a charging circuit288, a battery 289, a communication circuit 290, an antenna 297, and/ora trigger circuit 298. In the digital pen 201, the processor 220, atleast a part of the resonant circuit 287, and/or at least a part of thecommunication circuit 290 may be implemented on a PCB or in the form ofa chip. The processor 220, the resonant circuit 287, and/or thecommunication circuit 290 may be electrically connected with the memory230, the charging circuit 288, the battery 289, the antenna 297, or thetrigger circuit 298. The digital pen 201 may be implemented only with aresonant circuit and a button.

The processor 220 may include a customized hardware module or a genericprocessor configured to execute software and may include a hardwarecomponent (function) or a software component (program) including atleast one of various sensors, a data measurement module, an input/outputinterface, a module to manage a state or an environment of the digitalpen 201, or a communication module. The processor 220 may include one ofhardware, software, or firmware or a combination of two or more thereof,and may receive a proximity signal corresponding to an electromagneticsignal that is generated from a digitizer the electronic device 101through the resonant circuit 287. When the proximity signal isidentified, the processor 220 may control the resonant circuit 287 suchthat an electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) input signal is transmitted tothe electronic device 101.

The memory 230 may store information about an operation of the digitalpen 201. For example, the information may include information for acommunication with the electronic device 101 and frequency informationabout an input operation of the digital pen 201.

The resonant circuit 287 may include at least one of a coil, aninductor, and a capacitor, and may be used for the digital pen 201 togenerate a signal including a resonant frequency. For example, togenerate a signal, the digital pen 201 may use at least one of an EMRmanner, an active electrostatic (AES) manner, and an electricallycoupled resonance (ECR) manner. When transmitting a signal in the EMRmanner, the digital pen 201 may generate a signal including a resonantfrequency, based on an electromagnetic field generated from an inductivepanel of the electronic device 101. When transmitting a signal in theAES manner, the digital pen 201 may generate a signal by using thecapacity coupling with the electronic device 101. When transmitting asignal in the ECR manner, the digital pen 201 may generate a signalincluding a resonant frequency, based on an electric field generatedfrom a capacitive device of the electronic device 101. The resonantcircuit 287 may be used to change the intensity of electromagnetic fieldor a frequency depending on a manipulating state of the user. Forexample, the resonant circuit 287 may provide a frequency forrecognizing a hovering, drawing, button, or erasing input.

When the charging circuit 288 is connected with the resonant circuit 287based on a switching circuit, the charging circuit 288 may rectify aresonance signal generated from the resonant circuit 287 to a directcurrent signal so as to be supplied to the battery 289. The digital pen201 may determine whether the digital pen 201 is inserted into theelectronic device 101, by using a voltage level of the direct currentsignal detected from the charging circuit 288.

The battery 289 may store energy necessary for an operation of thedigital pen 201 and may include a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor andmay be rechargeable or exchangeable. The battery 289 may be charged byusing a power (e.g., a direct current signal (or a direct currentpower)) provided from the charging circuit 288.

The communication circuit 290 may be configured to perform a wirelesscommunication function between the digital pen 201 and the communicationmodule 190 of the electronic device 101, and may transmit stateinformation and input information of the digital pen 201 to theelectronic device 101 by using a short-range communication manner. Forexample, the communication circuit 290 may transmit motion sensor dataof the digital pen 201 obtained through the trigger circuit 298, voiceinformation input through a microphone, or level information of thebattery 289. The short-range communication manner may include at leastone of Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or wireless LAN.

The antenna 297 may be used to transmit a signal or a power to theoutside or to receive a signal or a power from the outside. The digitalpen 201 may include a plurality of antennas 297 and may select at leastone antenna 297 appropriate for a communication manner from among theplurality of antennas 297. The communication circuit 290 may exchange asignal or a power with an external electronic device through the atleast one antenna 297 thus selected.

The trigger circuit 298 may include at least one button or sensorcircuit. The processor 220 may identify an input manner (e.g., touchingor a pressing) or a type (e.g., an EMR button or a BLE button) of abutton of the digital pen 201. The sensor circuit may generate anelectrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an internaloperation state of the digital pen 201 or corresponds to an externalenvironment state. For example, the sensor circuit may include at leastone of a motion sensor, a battery level detection sensor, a pressuresensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or abiometric sensor. The trigger circuit 298 may transmit a trigger signalto the electronic device 101 by using an input signal of a button or asignal through a sensor.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the digital pen 201 accordingto an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the digital pen 201 may include a pen housing 300forming the exterior of the digital pen 201 and an inner assembly in thepen housing 300. The inner assembly may include all the parts mountedwithin a pen and may be inserted into the pen housing 300 by only oneassembly operation.

The pen housing 300 may be elongated between a first end portion 300 aand a second end portion 300 b and may include the receiving space 301therein. The pen housing 300 may have the shape of an ellipse, the crosssection of which includes a short axis and a long axis and may be formedas an elliptical cylinder. A receiving space of the digital pen 201 mayhave an elliptic cross section corresponding to the shape of the penhousing 300. The pen housing 300 may include a synthetic resin (e.g.,plastic) and/or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum). The second endportion 300 b of the pen housing 300 may be formed of a synthetic resinmaterial.

The inner assembly may have an elongated shape corresponding to theshape of the pen housing 300, and may be roughly divided into threecomponents along a longitudinal direction. For example, the innerassembly may include an ejection member 310 disposed at a locationcorresponding to the first end portion 300 a of the pen housing 300, acoil part 320 disposed at a location corresponding to the second endportion 300 b of the pen housing 300, and a circuit board part 330disposed at a location corresponding to a body of a housing.

The ejection member 310 may include a component for removing the digitalpen 201 from the receiving space 112 of the electronic device 101, andmay include a shaft 311, and an ejection body 312 and a button part 313disposed around the shaft 311 and forming the overall exterior of theejection member 310. When the inner assembly is completely inserted intothe pen housing 300, the part of the ejection member 310, which includesthe shaft 311 and the ejection body 312, may be surrounded by the firstend portion 300 a of the pen housing 300, and the button part 313 may beexposed to the outside of the first end portion 300 a. A plurality ofcam members or elastic members may be disposed in the ejection body 312to form a push-pull structure. The button part 313 may be substantiallyengaged with the shaft 311 to reciprocate linearly with respect to theejection body 312, and may include a button having a stopper structurethat enables the user to remove the digital pen 201 by using his/hernail. The digital pen 201 may include a sensor detecting a linearreciprocating motion of the shaft 311, thus providing another inputmanner.

The coil part 320 may include a pen tip 321 exposed to the outside ofthe second end portion 300 b when the inner assembly is inserted intothe pen housing 300, a packing ring 322, a coil 323 having a pluralityof turns, and/or a pen pressure sensing unit 324 for obtaining a changein pressure when the pen tip 321 is pressed. The packing ring 322 mayinclude epoxy, rubber, urethane, or silicon, may be provided forwaterproofing and dustproofing, and may protect the coil part 320 andthe circuit board part 330 from moisture when the electronic device 101and/or the digital pen 201 are infiltrated into water or from dust. Thecoil 323 may form a resonant frequency in a given frequency band (e.g.,500 kHz), and may be combined with at least one element (e.g., acapacitor) to adjust the resonant frequency formed by the coil 323within a given range.

The circuit board part 330 may include a printed circuit board 332, abase 331 covering at least one surface of the printed circuit board 332,and an antenna. A substrate seating part 333, on which the printedcircuit board 332 is disposed, may be formed on an upper surface of thebase 331, and the printed circuit board 332 may be seated on thesubstrate seating part 333. The printed circuit board 332 may include anupper surface and a lower surface. A variable capacitor connected withthe coil 323 or a switch 334 may be disposed on the upper surface, and acharging circuitry, a battery, or a communication circuitry may bedisposed on the lower surface. The battery may include an electricdouble layered capacitor (EDLC). The charging circuitry is interposedbetween the coil 323 and the battery and may include a voltage detectorcircuitry and a rectifier.

The antenna may include an antenna structure 339 that is exemplified asillustrated in FIG. 4 and/or an antenna that is embedded in the printedcircuit board 332. The switch 334 may be provided on the printed circuitboard 332. A side button 337 that is provided on the digital pen 201 maybe used to press the switch 334 and may be exposed to the outsidethrough a side opening 302 of the pen housing 300. The side button 337may be supported by a supporting member 338. When there is no externalforce acting on the side button 337, the supporting member 338 mayprovide a restoring force such that the side button 337 is returned toor maintained at a specific location.

The circuit board part 330 may include a different packing ring such asan O-ring. For example, O-rings that are formed of an elastic materialmay be disposed at opposite ends of the base 331 to form a sealingstructure between the base 331 and the pen housing 300. The supportingmember 338 may be partially in close contact with an inner wall of thepen housing 300 around the side opening 302 to form a sealing structure.As in the packing ring 322 of the coil part 320, the circuit board part330 may have a waterproof and dustpro of structure.

The digital pen 201 may include a battery mounting part provided on theupper surface of the base 331 such that a battery 336 is disposed in thebattery mounting part 335. The battery 336 that is able to be mounted onthe battery mounting part 335 may include a cylinder-type battery.

The digital pen 201 may include a microphone, which may be directlyconnected with the printed circuit board 332, may be connected with aseparate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected with theprinted circuit board 332, or may be disposed parallel to the sidebutton 337 in the longitudinal direction of the digital pen 201.

FIG. 5 illustrates an unlocking operation using the digital pen 201according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, in a lock state illustrated in screenshot 501 (or asleep state), the electronic device 101 may display a first screen 510through at least part of the display device 160. The first screen 510may be a lock screen or an always on display (AOD) screen. In the lockstate in screenshot 501, the electronic device 101 may enable a screenof the display 160 to be turned off.

The electronic device 101 may receive a user input through the digitalpen 201 in the lock state in screenshot 501. For example, the digitalpen 201 may receive a user input through a side button 337 when theelectronic device 101 is connected with the digital pen 201 based on theshort-range wireless communication protocol. The digital pen 201 maytransmit the received user input to the electronic device 101 based onthe short-range wireless communication protocol, which may be based onthe Bluetooth™ standard or the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) standarddefined by the Bluetooth special interest group (SIG).

The digital pen 201 detached from the electronic device 101 may be lost.A third party that recovers the lost digital pen 201 may change a stateof the electronic device 101 to an unlock state in screenshot 502 byusing the digital pen 201. To prevent the third party from unlocking theelectronic device 101, the electronic device 101 may change the state ofthe electronic device 101 to the unlock state in screenshot 502 based onat least one of the below three conditions, as well as the user inputthrough the user interface of the digital pen 201. For example, theelectronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device 101based on at least one of whether: (1) the digital pen 201 is detached,(2) there is a history in which the electronic device 101 is unlockedthrough a user authentication method (or an unlock history by the userauthentication method), and (3) an unlock function is set by the digitalpen 201.

The user authentication method of condition (2) may include at least oneof, but is not limited to, recognition of biometric informationincluding at least one of fingerprint information or iris information, apassword input, a personal information number (PIN), or a pattern input.The electronic device 101 may consider all or at least one of the threeconditions. An embodiment associated with condition (1) will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, embodiment associated withcondition (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and anembodiment associated with condition (3) will be described withreference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

The electronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device101 from the lock state in screenshot 501 to the unlock state inscreenshot 502 based on the user input through the user interface of thedigital pen 201 and at least one of the above three conditions. In theunlock state in screenshot 502, the electronic device 101 may display asecond screen 520, which may include a screen in which an application(e.g. note application or memo application) is executed. The secondscreen 520 may include a screen before the state of the electronicdevice 101 is changed to the lock state in screenshot 501. The secondscreen 520 may include a home screen.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart 600 of the electronic device 101performing an unlock operation by using the digital pen 201 according toan embodiment. Operations that are illustrated in FIG. 6 or anotheroperation flowchart may be performed by the electronic device 101 or acomponent of the electronic device 101, such as at least one of ahardware component (e.g., the processor 120) or a software component(e.g., the application layer 146 or the middleware 144) among thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step 605, the electronic device 101 may receivea user input through a wireless communication circuit in a lock state.For example, when a user input pressing the side button 337 of thedigital pen 201 is received, the digital pen 201 may transmit a signal,which is based on the short-range wireless communication protocol, tothe electronic device 101, which may receive the signal transmitted fromthe digital pen 201 through a wireless communication circuit.

In step 610, the electronic device 101 may identify whether there is ahistory in which an unlock operation is performed through the userauthentication method. For example, the electronic device 101 mayidentify whether there is unlock history, through unlock historyinformation stored in a memory of the electronic device 101. Forexample, when the unlock operation is performed at least once throughthe user authentication method after the digital pen 201 is detachedfrom the electronic device 101, the unlock history information mayindicate that there is unlock history and the electronic device 101 maydetermine that the unlock history exists. When the digital pen 201 isdetached from the receiving space 112 of the electronic device 101 inthe unlock state in screenshot 502, the unlock history information mayindicate that there is unlock history and the electronic device 101 maydetermine that the unlock history exists.

When the unlock history exists consistently, because a third partyrecovering the digital pen 201 may unlock the electronic device 101, theelectronic device 101 may change (or initialize) the unlock historyinformation to a state where there is no unlock history, when at leastone of the following conditions is satisfied: A) the digital pen 201 isinserted into the electronic device 101, B) the electronic device 101moves as much as a specified distance or farther after the digital pen201 is detached, and C) a short-range wireless communication-based linkbetween the electronic device 101 and the digital pen 201 is released.

In step 615, the electronic device 101 may change the state of theelectronic device 101 to the unlock state in screenshot 502 based atleast partially on the identified unlock history information.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 of the electronic device 101providing a user authentication method according to an embodiment.Operations illustrated in FIG. 7 may correspond to steps 610 and 0 615of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, in step 705, the electronic device 101 may identifywhether an unlock history exists, in response to receiving a user inputthrough a user interface of the digital pen 201. When the unlock historyexists, in step 710, the electronic device 101 may change a state of theelectronic device 101 from the lock state to the unlock state.

When the unlock history does not exist, in step 715, the electronicdevice 101 may display a screen providing the user authentication methodfor an unlock operation through the display. For example, the electronicdevice 101 may display a screen providing a guide so as to input atleast one of biometric information, a password, a PIN, or a pattern.

In step 720, the electronic device 101 may perform user authenticationthrough the user authentication method, and the electronic device 101may change the state of the electronic device 101 to the unlock state instep 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operation of the electronic device 101 detectingwhether the digital pen 201 is detached, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device 101 may further include aconductive coil 810 and a control circuit 815 to detect the digital pen201 inserted into the receiving space 112.

The conductive coil 810 may perform an antenna function oftransmitting/receiving a signal that is based on the electromagneticinduction manner (e.g., EMR, AES, or ECR), and may be disposed withinthe housing 110 or the receiving space 112.

The control circuit 815 may generate a signal that is based on theelectromagnetic induction manner or may process (or analyze) a receivedsignal, and may be at least a part of the processor 120 or may be aseparate module (or chip).

The electronic device 101 may detect whether the digital pen 201 isdetached, through a signal 850 based on the electromagnetic inductionmanner. For example, the electronic device 101 may generate a signal ofa specified frequency through the control circuit 815 and may transmitthe generated signal through the conductive coil 810, which signal maybe induced by the resonant circuit 287 mounted on a PCB 830 of thedigital pen 201. The electronic device 101 may receive the signalinduced through the conductive coil 810 and may identify whether thedigital pen 201 is inserted into or detached from the receiving space112, by analyzing (or processing) the signal induced through the controlcircuit 815.

The electronic device 101 may receive information about the digital pen201 through the signal 850 that is based on the electromagneticinduction mariner. The information may include at least one of a list ofapplications that support a user input through a user interface of thedigital pen 201, and graphic user interface (GUI) information indicatingwhether a user input through the user interface of the digital pen 201is supported.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart 900 of the electronic device 101detecting whether the digital pen 201 is detached, according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, in step 905, the electronic device 101 may receivea user input through a wireless communication circuit of the digital pen201 in the lock state.

In step 910, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the digitalpen 201 is detached, in response to receiving the user input. Forexample, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the digital pen201 is inserted into the receiving space 112, by using the controlcircuit 815 and the conductive coil 810 of FIG. 8. When the digital pen201 is not in a detached state, the electronic device 101 may terminatethe algorithm The electronic device 101 may display a screen providingthe user authentication method before terminating the algorithm and mayperform user authentication based on the displayed screen.

When the digital pen 201 is in the detached state, in step 915, theelectronic device 101 may identify unlock history information by theuser authentication method.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an operation of the electronic device 101displaying a screen 1003 after an unlock operation according to anembodiment. FIG. 10A shows an embodiment in which an execution screen ofan application supporting a user input through a user interface of thedigital pen 201 is displayed after an unlock operation, and FIG. 10Bshows an embodiment in which an execution screen of an application notsupporting a user input through the user interface of the digital pen201 is displayed after an unlock operation.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the electronic device 101 may display a firstscreen 1010 through a display in an unlock state 1001. For example, thefirst screen 1010 may indicate an execution screen of an application (oran application program) (e.g., a memo application or a note application)supporting a user input through the digital pen 201.

When there is no user input during a specified time after the firstscreen 1010 is displayed or depending on a user input changing a stateof the electronic device 101 to a lock state 1002, the electronic device101 may change the state of the electronic device 101 from the unlockstate 1001 to the lock state 1002. In the lock state 1002, theelectronic device 101 may display a second screen 1020 which may includea lock screen or an AOD screen. The electronic device 101 may enable ascreen of a display to be turned off in the lock state 1002.

The electronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device101 from an unlock state 1003 based on a user input through a userinterface of the digital pen 201. The electronic device 101 may displaya third screen 1030 in the unlock state 1003. The third screen 1030 mayinclude an execution screen of an application that is executed in theunlock state 1001 before the lock state 1002. For example, the thirdscreen 1030 may include substantially the same screen as the firstscreen 1010 displayed in the unlock state 1001.

The electronic device 101 may display a first GUI 1015 indicating thatan input through the side button 337 of the digital pen 201 is able tobe supported in the third screen 1030. The first GUI 1015 may bedisplayed in one area, such as on one side of the third screen 1030.

To provide continuity of use of the digital pen 201, the electronicdevice 101 may highlight a character or a stroke input in a first area1025, shown as “bx”, which is input most recently in the unlock state1001, in the third screen 1030 in bold type or with another color. Forexample, the electronic device 101 may identify information about atleast one of the number of strokes (or characters) input before thestate of the electronic device 101 is changed from the unlock state 1001to the lock state 1002, a time when the strokes are input, or the orderof receiving the strokes. When the state of the electronic device 101 ischanged from the lock state 1002 to the unlock state 1003, theelectronic device 101 may highlight a stroke or character, which isdetermined based on the identified information, in the third screen1030.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the electronic device 101 may display a firstscreen 1040 in an unlock state 1004. The first screen 1040 may includean execution screen of an application not supporting a user inputthrough the user interface of the digital pen 201, or a home screen. Theelectronic device 101 may display a second GUI 1035 indicating that auser input through the side button 337 of the digital pen 201 is notsupported, in the first screen 1040. A shape of the second GUI 1035 maybe different from a shape of the first GUI 1015 of FIG. 10A. Forexample, the second GUI 1035 may be displayed to be more blurred thanthe first GUI 1015, to be smaller than the first GUI 1015, or to betransparent.

When there is no user input during a specified time or depending on auser input changing the state of the electronic device 101 to a lockstate 1005, the electronic device 101 may change the state of theelectronic device 101 from the unlock state 1004 to the lock state 1005,in which the electronic device 101 may display a second screen 1050(e.g., the second screen 1020 of FIG. 10A).

The electronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device101 from an unlock state 1006 based on a user input through the userinterface of the digital pen 201. The electronic device 101 may displaya third screen 1060 in the unlock state 1006. The third screen 1060 mayinclude substantially the same screen as an execution screen of anapplication or a home screen displayed in the unlock state 1004.

The electronic device 101 may display the second GUI 1035 in the thirdscreen 1060. To emphasize a display of the second GUI 1035 after thestate of the electronic device 101 is changed to the unlock state 1006,the electronic device 101 may enable the second GUI 1035 to have theeffect in which the second GUI 1035 shakes on the third screen 1060.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device displaying ascreen based on a type of a user input through a user interface of thedigital pen 201 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device 101 may display a firstscreen 1110 through a display in an unlock state 1101. The first screen1110 may indicate a screen of an application being executed by theelectronic device 101 (or a home screen). When there is no user inputduring a specified time or depending on a user input changing a state ofthe electronic device 101 to a lock state 1102, the electronic device101 may change the state of the electronic device 101 from the unlockstate 1101 to the lock state 1102. In the lock state 1102, theelectronic device 101 may display a second screen 1120 which may includea lock screen or an AOD screen. For another example, the electronicdevice 101 may enable a screen of a display to be turned off in the lockstate 1102.

The electronic device 101 may execute another application based on atype of a user input received from the digital pen 201 in the lock state1102. The type of the user input may be based on at least one of thenumber of times that the user presses a user interface of the digitalpen 201 and a time when the user presses the user interface. Forexample, the input by which the user presses the user interface of thedigital pen 201 during less than a specified time may be referred to asa “first input 1152 (or a single press or a double press)”. The input bywhich the user presses the user interface of the digital pen 201 duringthe specified time or more may be referred to as a “second input 1154(or a long press)”.

When the first input 1152 is received in the lock state 1102, theelectronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device 101to an unlock state 1103 and may display an execution screen of anapplication executed in an unlock state 1101 before the lock state 1102.The electronic device 101 may display a third screen 1130 that issubstantially the same as the first screen 1110 displayed in the unlockstate 1101 before the lock state 1102. The electronic device 101 maydisplay the first GUI 1015 indicating that an input through the userinterface of the digital pen 201 is able to be supported in the thirdscreen 1130.

When the second input 1154 is received in the lock state 1102, theelectronic device 101 may execute an application supporting the secondinput 1154 without considering the application executed in an unlockstate 1101 before the lock state 1102. The application supporting thesecond input 1154 may include a camera application. The electronicdevice 101 may display a fourth screen 1140 including the executionscreen of the application supporting the second input 1154. Theapplication supporting the second input 1154 may require an unlockoperation or may not require the unlock operation. For example, when thecamera application does not require the unlock operation, the electronicdevice 101 may display the fourth screen 1140 in the lock state 1102.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart 1200 of the electronic device 101displaying a screen based on the second input 1154 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, in step 1205, the electronic device 101 mayreceive the second input 1154 from the digital pen 201 through awireless communication circuit in a lock state.

In step 1210, the electronic device 101 may identify whether anapplication corresponding to the second input 1154 requires an unlockoperation. A first application that requires the unlock operation mayinclude a memo application or a note application. A second applicationthat does not require the unlock operation may include a cameraapplication.

When the application corresponding to the second input 1154 requires theunlock operation (e.g., when the application corresponding to the secondinput 1154 is the first application), in step 1215, the electronicdevice 101 may change a state of the electronic device 101 to an unlockstate and may execute the application corresponding to the second input1154.

When the application corresponding to the second input 1154 does notrequire the unlock operation (e.g., when the application correspondingto the second input 1154 is the second application), in step 1220, theelectronic device 101 may execute the application corresponding to thesecond input 1154 without changing the state of the electronic device101 to the unlock state.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart 1300 of the electronic device 101identifying the movement of the electronic device 101 according to anembodiment.

The digital pen 201 may be lost while being detached from the electronicdevice 101. To account for the loss of the digital pen 201, theelectronic device 101 may change a state of the electronic device 101 orunlock history information, depending on the movement of the electronicdevice 101 identified after the digital pen 201 is detached.

Referring to FIG. 13, after the electronic device 101 identifies unlockhistory information by the user authentication method in step 1305, instep 1310, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the electronicdevice 101 moves, such as by a specified distance or farther, through amotion sensor included in the electronic device 101. Information aboutthe movement of the electronic device 101 may be stored in a memory 130of the electronic device 101. When a state of the electronic device 101is changed to an unlock state or the digital pen 201 is inserted intothe electronic device 101, the information about the movement may beinitialized.

That the electronic device 101 moves as much as the specified distanceor farther may indicate that the digital pen 201 is apart from theelectronic device 101 as much as the specified distance or farther. Inthis case, the electronic device 101 may terminate the algorithm withoutchanging a lock state of the electronic device 101.

In step 1315 before the electronic device 101 terminates the algorithm,the electronic device 101 may initialize the unlock history informationso as to indicate that there is no unlock history. For example, whenthere is detected the event that the electronic device 101 moves as muchas the specified distance or farther, the electronic device 101 mayperform an unlock operation using the user authentication method. Whenthe state of the electronic device 101 is changed to the unlock state,the electronic device 101 may initialize the unlock history information.

When the electronic device 101 moves as much as the specified distanceor farther, the electronic device 101 may display a screen associatedwith the loss of the digital pen 201 through a display and may release ashort-range wireless communication link with the digital pen 201. Whenthe short-range wireless communication link is released, the electronicdevice 101 may display a screen indicating a lock state. To re-establisha short-range wireless communication protocol-based link with thedigital pen 201, the electronic device 101 may output a UI guiding theuser so as to insert the digital pen 201 into the receiving space 112.For example, the electronic device 101 may output at least one of a GUI,a sound, or a vibration.

When the electronic device 101 does not move as much as the specifieddistance or farther, in step 1320, the electronic device 101 may changethe state of the electronic device 101 to the unlock state.

FIG. 14 illustrates an operation of setting an unlock function of anelectronic device according to an embodiment.

The electronic device 101 may activate a pen unlock function in which astate of the electronic device 101 is changed based on a user inputthrough a user interface of the digital pen 201, depending on usersettings. For example, the electronic device 101 may activate the penunlock function to provide continuity of use of the digital pen 201 andmay deactivate the pen unlock function to prevent a third party fromunlocking the electronic device 101.

Referring to FIG. 14, in screenshot 1401, the electronic device 101 mayprovide a GUI 1415, which provides a guide so as to set the pen unlockfunction, to the user through the display 160. The GUI 1415 may bedisplayed as a pop-up in a partial area of a first screen 1410. Theelectronic device 101 may change the first screen 1410 to a separatescreen including the GUI 1415.

When a user input is received through a user interface of the digitalpen 201 while the electronic device 101 operates in a lock state and thepen unlock function is deactivated, the electronic device 101 maydisplay the GUI 1415 to provide a guide so as to set the pen unlockfunction.

The electronic device 101 may display the GUI 1415 in response todetecting that the digital pen 201 is detached. In this case, to preventan inconvenience due to the frequent display of the GUI 1415, theelectronic device 101 may not display the GUI 1415 when a specifiedcondition is satisfied even though the digital pen 201 is detached. Forexample, when there is a history in which a first button 1411 dismissingthe GUI 1415 is selected after the GUI 1415 is displayed, when there isa history in which a second button 1412 for entering a screen 1420setting the pen unlock function in the GUI 1415 is selected, or in whichthe pen unlock function is activated at least once, the electronicdevice 101 may not display the GUI 1415 even though the digital pen 201is detached.

When the second button 1412 for entering the screen 1420 setting the penunlock function is selected in the GUI 1415, in screenshot 1402, theelectronic device 101 may display the screen 1420 setting the pen unlockfunction through the display 160. When there is received an inputselecting a button 1421 activating the pen unlock function from amongbuttons 1421 and 1422 included in the screen 1420 setting the pen unlockfunction, the electronic device 101 may activate the pen unlockfunction.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart 1500 of the electronic device 101providing the GUI 1415 setting an unlock function according to anembodiment.

Returning to FIG. 15, in step 1505, the electronic device 101 mayidentify whether the pen unlock function is activated, and may performstep 1505 in response to detecting that the digital pen 201 is detachedfrom the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may performstep 1505 when a user input is received through a user interface of thedigital pen 201 while the pen unlock function is deactivated.

When the pen unlock function is in a activated state, in step 1510, theelectronic device 101 may display the GUI 1415 providing a guide so asto set the pen unlock function.

When the pen unlock function is in an deactivated state, in step 1515,the electronic device 101 may change the state of the electronic device101 to the unlock state based at least partially on the unlock historyinformation.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram 1600 illustrating the program 140 accordingto an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the program 140 may include the operating system142 for controlling one or more resources of the electronic device 101,the middleware 144, or the application 146 executable in the operatingsystem 142. The operating system 142 may include Android™, iOS™,Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, Bada™. For example, at least a part of theprogram 140 may be preloaded on the electronic device 101 when theelectronic device 101 is being manufactured. Alternatively, when theelectronic device 101 is used by the user, at least a part of theprogram 140 may be downloaded from an external electronic device or maybe updated.

The operating system 142 may control the management of one or moresystem resources of the electronic device 101. Additionally oralternatively, the operating system 142 may include one or more driverprograms for driving any other hardware devices of the electronic device101 the input device 150, the sound output device 155, the displaydevice 160, the audio module 170, the sensor module 176, the interface177, the haptic module 179, the camera module 180, the power managementmodule 188, the battery 189, the communication module 190, thesubscriber identification module 196, or the antenna module 197.

The middleware 144 may provide various functions to the application 146such that a function or information provided from one or more resourcesof the electronic device 101 is able to be used by the application 146.The middleware 144 may include an application manager 1601, a windowmanager 1603, a multimedia manager 1605, a resource manager 1607, apower manager 1609, a database manager 1611, a package manager 1613, aconnectivity manager 1615, a notification manager 1617, a locationmanager 1619, a graphic manager 1621, a security manager 1623, atelephony manager 1625, or a voice recognition manager 1627.

The application manager 1601 may manage a life cycle of the application146. The window manager 1603 may manage one or more GUI resources thatare used in a screen. The multimedia manager 1605 may seize one or moreformats necessary to play media files and may perform encoding ordecoding on the corresponding media file among the media files by usinga codec appropriate for the corresponding format selected from theformats. The resource manager 1607 may manage a source code of theapplication 146 or a storage space of the memory 130. The power manager1609 may manage a capacity, a temperature, or a power of the battery 189and may determine or provide relevant information necessary for anoperation of the electronic device 101 by using information associatedwith the capacity, the temperature, or the power. The power manager 1609may operate in conjunction with a basic input/output system (BIOS) ofthe electronic device 101.

The database manager 1611 may generate, search, or modify a database tobe used by the application 146. The package manager 1613 may install orupdate an application that is distributed as a package file. Theconnectivity manager 1615 may manage the wireless connection or directconnection between the electronic device 101 and an external electronicdevice. The notification manager 1617 may provide a function fornotifying the user of a specified event, such as an incoming call, amessage, or a notification. The location manager 1619 may managelocation information of the electronic device 101. The graphic manager1621 may manage one or more graphic effects to be provided to the useror one or more user interfaces associated with the one or more graphiceffects.

The security manager 1623 may provide system security or userauthentication. The telephony manager 1625 may manage a voice callfunction or a video call function that is provided by the electronicdevice 101. The voice recognition manager 1627 may transmit voice dataof the user to the server 108, and may receive a command, whichcorresponds to a function to be performed in the electronic device 101based at least partially on the voice data, or character data, which areconverted based at least partially on the voice data, from the server108. The middleware 144 may remove one or more components of existingcomponents dynamically or may add new components. At least a part of themiddleware 144 may be included as a part of, or with separate softwaredifferent from, the operating system 142.

The application 146 may include a home application 1651, a dialerapplication 1653, a short messaging service/multimedia messaging service(SMS/MMS) application 1655, an instant message (IM) application 1657, abrowser application 1659, a camera application 1661, an alarmapplication 1663, a contact application 1665, a voice recognitionapplication 1667, an e-mail application 1669, a calendar application1671, a media player application 1673, an album application 1675, awatch application 1677, a health application 1679, or an environmentinformation application 1681 (e.g., an application to measure anatmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature information). Theapplication 146 may further include an information exchangingapplication that may support information exchange between the electronicdevice 101 and an external electronic device. The information exchangingapplication may include a notification relay application configured totransmit specified information to an external electronic device or adevice management application configured to manage the externalelectronic device. The notification relay application may transmitnotification information corresponding to a specified event occurring inanother application of the electronic device 101 to the externalelectronic device. Additionally or alternatively, the notification relayapplication may receive notification information from the externalelectronic device and may provide the received notification informationto the user of the electronic device 101.

The device management application may control a power or a function ofthe external electronic device communicating with the electronic device101 or some components of the external electronic device. Additionallyor alternatively, the device management application may support theinstallation, deletion, or update of an application that operates in theexternal electronic device.

The application manager 1601 may manage an execution state (e.g., arunning state, a foreground state, a background state, or a pause state)of at least one application stored in the electronic device 101 and maydetermine priorities of applications based on information of theapplications or a user input.

The middleware 144 may further include an input management manager. Theinput management manager may perform a function of transmitting an eventassociated with an application to a relevant application based on a userinput.

The package manager 1613 may manage information about applicationprograms stored in the memory 130. The information about the applicationprograms may include at least one of whether to support a user inputthrough a user interface of the digital pen 201 and information about akey defined in the XML of an application program.

The application 146 may store at least one application programexecutable by the electronic device 101 as an instruction, and mayinclude an extensible markup language (XML).

The application 146 may further include a remote action framework whichmay monitor an execution state of at least one application programthrough the application manager 1601 and may receive information aboutthe application program from the package manager 1613. The remote actionframework may display state information based on at least one of theexecution state of the application program or the information about theapplication program.

As described above, an electronic device may include a housing, atouchscreen display that is viewable through a portion of the housing, astylus pen that is sensible by the touchscreen display and includes auser interface, a wireless communication circuit that is disposed withinthe housing, a processor that is disposed within the housing and isoperatively connected with the touchscreen display and the wirelesscommunication circuit, and a memory that is disposed within the housingand is operatively connected with the processor. The memory may storeunlock history information by at least one user authentication methodand at least one application program, and may store instructions that,when executed, cause the processor to receive a first input receivedthrough the user interface of the stylus pen, through the wirelesscommunication circuit, in a lock state of the electronic device, toidentify the stored unlock history information by the at least one userauthentication method, in response to receiving the first input, and tochange a state of the electronic device to an unlock state, based atleast partially on that the identified unlock history informationexists.

The instructions may cause the processor to display an unlock screenproviding the at least one user authentication method on the touchscreendisplay, based on that the identified unlock history information doesnot exist, to receive a user input according to the at least one userauthentication method, and to determine whether to change the state ofthe electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state, inresponse to the user input.

The at least one user authentication method may include at least one ofrecognition of biometric information including at least one offingerprint information or iris information, a password input, a PIN, ora pattern input.

The housing may include an inner space configured to receive the styluspen, and the instructions cause the processor to detect whether thestylus pen is detached from the inner space and to identify an unlockhistory by the user authentication method, in response to detecting thatthe stylus pen is detached.

The instructions may cause the processor to detect that the stylus penis inserted into the inner space and to change the unlock historyinformation, in response to detecting that the stylus pen is inserted.

The instructions may cause the processor to identify an applicationprogram being executed before the lock state, in response to the changeto the unlock state and to provide, on the touchscreen display, a userinterface of the application program being executed, in response to theidentification.

The instructions may cause the processor to provide a graphic userinterface associated with a use of the stylus pen on the touch screendisplay, in response to the change to the unlock state.

The electronic device may further include a motion sensor, and theinstructions may cause the processor to determine whether the electronicdevice moves, by using the motion sensor, based on that the identifiedunlock history information exists and to change the identified unlockhistory information, based at least partially on the determination aboutwhether the electronic device moves.

The instructions may cause the processor to receive a second inputreceived through the user interface of the stylus pen, through thewireless communication circuit, in the lock state of the electronicdevice, to identify an unlock history by the user authentication method,in response to receiving the second input, to identify a selectedapplication program corresponding to the second input, in response toreceiving the second input, to change the state of the electronic deviceto the unlock state, based on that the identified unlock historyinformation exists, and to execute the selected application program.

The memory may store a first application program available in the unlockstate of the electronic device and a second application programavailable in the lock state of the electronic device. The instructionsmay cause the processor to display an unlock screen by the userauthentication method on the display, wherein, in a first operation, theselected application program corresponding to the second input is thefirst application program, and to execute the selected applicationprogram when the state of the electronic device is maintained in thelock state, wherein, in a second operation, the selected applicationprogram corresponding to the second input is the second applicationprogram.

The instructions may cause the processor to provide a user interfacesetting whether to unlock the electronic device by the first input.

The user interface of the stylus pen may include a button, and the firstinput may include at least one of pressing the button once and/orpressing the button twice.

The second input may include pressing the button during a specified timeor more. The wireless communication circuit is configured to support aBluetooth standard and/or BLE communication.

As described above, a method of an electronic device may includereceiving a first input from a stylus pen connected with the electronicdevice through wireless communication, in a lock state of the electronicdevice, identifying unlock history information by at least one userauthentication method, in response to receiving the first input, andchanging a state of the electronic device to an unlock state, based atleast partially on that the identified unlock history informationexists.

The method may further include displaying an unlock screen providing theat least one user authentication method, based on that the identifiedunlock history information does not exist, receiving a user inputaccording to the at least one user authentication method, anddetermining whether to change the state of the electronic device fromthe lock state to the unlock state, in response to the user input.

The at least one user authentication method may include at least one ofrecognition of biometric information including at least one offingerprint information or iris information, a password input, a PIN, ora pattern input.

The method may further include identifying an application program beingexecuted before the lock state, in response to the change to the unlockstate, and providing a user interface of the application program beingexecuted, in response to the identification.

The method may further include determining whether the electronic devicemoves, based on that the identified unlock history information exists,and changing the identified unlock history information, based at leastpartially on the determination about whether the electronic devicemoves.

The method may further include receiving a second input from the styluspen, in the lock state of the electronic device, identifying an unlockhistory by the user authentication method, in response to receiving thesecond input, identifying a selected application program correspondingto the second input, in response to receiving the second input, changingthe state of the electronic device to the unlock state, based on thatthe identified unlock history information exists, and executing theselected application program.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented inhardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used withother terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or“circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimumunit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. Forexample, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in aform of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software(e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that arestored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101).For example, a processor(e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g.,the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or moreinstructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with orwithout using one or more other components under the control of theprocessor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at leastone function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The oneor more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or acode executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage mediummay be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein,the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is atangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagneticwave), but this term does not differentiate between where data issemi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data istemporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments ofthe disclosure may be included and provided in a computer programproduct. The computer program product may be traded as a product betweena seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed inthe form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded)online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore), or between two userdevices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at leastpart of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or atleast temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such asmemory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store,or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or aprogram) of the above-described components may include a single entityor multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more ofthe above-described components may be omitted, or one or more othercomponents may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality ofcomponents (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a singlecomponent. In such a case, according to various embodiments, theintegrated component may still perform one or more functions of each ofthe plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they areperformed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components beforethe integration. According to various embodiments, operations performedby the module, the program, or another component may be carried outsequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or moreof the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, orone or more other operations may be added.

Herein, an electronic device may provide continuity of use by unlockingthe electronic device by using a stylus pen.

The electronic device may maintain security by permitting a styluspen-based unlock function under a specified condition.

A variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through thisdisclosure may be provided.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tovarious embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a housing: atouchscreen display viewable through a portion of the housing; a styluspen sensible by the touchscreen display and including a user interface;a wireless communication circuit disposed within the housing; aprocessor disposed within the housing and operatively connected with thetouchscreen display and the wireless communication circuit; and a memorydisposed within the housing and operatively connected with theprocessor, wherein the memory is configured to store unlock historyinformation of a user of the electronic device by at least one userauthentication method and at least one application program, and whereinthe memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processorto: receive a first input received through the user interface of thestylus pen, through the wireless communication circuit, in a lock stateof the electronic device; identify the stored unlock history informationof the user of the electronic device by the at least one userauthentication method, in response to receiving the first input; andchange a state of the electronic device to an unlock state, based atleast partially on existence of the identified unlock historyinformation.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to: display an unlock screenproviding the at least one user authentication method on the touchscreendisplay, based on the identified unlock history information notexisting; receive a user input according to the at least one userauthentication method; and determine whether to change the state of theelectronic device from the lock state to the unlock state, in responseto the user input.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the atleast one user authentication method includes at least one ofrecognition of biometric information including at least one offingerprint information or iris information, a password input, apersonal information number (PIN), and a pattern input.
 4. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an innerspace configured to receive the stylus pen, and wherein the instructionsfurther cause the processor to: detect whether the stylus pen isdetached from the inner space; and identify an unlock history by theuser authentication method, in response to detecting that the stylus penis detached.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to: detect that the stylus penis inserted into the inner space; and change the unlock historyinformation, in response to detecting that the stylus pen is inserted.6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to: identify an application program being executedbefore the lock state, in response to the change to the unlock state;and provide, on the touchscreen display, a user interface of theapplication program being executed, in response to the identification.7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to: provide a graphic user interface associated witha use of the stylus pen on the touch screen display, in response to thechange to the unlock state.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a motion sensor, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessor to: determine whether the electronic device moves, by usingthe motion sensor, based on the existence of the identified unlockhistory information; and change the identified unlock historyinformation, based at least partially on the determination of whetherthe electronic device moves.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: receive asecond input through the user interface of the stylus pen, through thewireless communication circuit, in the lock state of the electronicdevice; identify an unlock history by the user authentication method, inresponse to receiving the second input; identify a selected applicationprogram corresponding to the second input, in response to receiving thesecond input; change the state of the electronic device to the unlockstate, based on the existence of the identified unlock historyinformation; and execute the selected application program.
 10. Theelectronic device of claim 9, wherein the memory is further configuredto store a first application program available in the unlock state ofthe electronic device and a second application program available in thelock state of the electronic device, and wherein the instructionsfurther cause the processor to: display an unlock screen by the userauthentication method on the display, and execute the selectedapplication program when the state of the electronic device ismaintained in the lock state, wherein, in a first operation, theselected application program corresponding to the second input is thefirst application program, and wherein, in a second operation, theselected application program corresponding to the second input is thesecond application program.
 11. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: provide a userinterface that sets whether to unlock the electronic device by the firstinput.
 12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user interfaceof the stylus pen includes a button, and wherein the first inputincludes at least one of pressing the button once and pressing thebutton twice.
 13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the secondinput includes pressing the button during at least a specified time. 14.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationcircuit is configured to support a Bluetooth™ standard and/or Bluetoothlow energy communication.
 15. A method of an electronic device,comprising: receiving a first input from a stylus pen connected with theelectronic device through wireless communication, in a lock state of theelectronic device; identifying unlock history information of a user ofthe electronic device by at least one user authentication method, inresponse to receiving the first input; and changing a state of theelectronic device to an unlock state, based at least partially onexistence of the identified unlock history information.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: displaying an unlock screen providingthe at least one user authentication method, based on the identifiedunlock history information does not existing; receiving a user inputaccording to the at least one user authentication method; anddetermining whether to change the state of the electronic device fromthe lock state to the unlock state, in response to the user input. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one user authenticationmethod includes at least one of recognition of biometric informationincluding at least one of fingerprint information and iris information,a password input, a personal information number (PIN), and a patterninput.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: identifying anapplication program being executed before the lock state, in response tothe change to the unlock state; and providing a user interface of theapplication program being executed, in response to the identification.19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining whether theelectronic device moves, based on the existence of identified unlockhistory information; and changing the identified unlock historyinformation, based at least partially on the determination of whetherthe electronic device moves.
 20. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: receiving a second input from the stylus pen, in the lockstate of the electronic device; identifying an unlock history by theuser authentication method, in response to receiving the second input;identifying a selected application program corresponding to the secondinput, in response to receiving the second input; changing the state ofthe electronic device to the unlock state, based on the existence ofidentified unlock history information; and executing the selectedapplication program.